Discover the Joy of Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork
Why You’ll Adore This Recipe
Crock Pot Pulled Pork is one of those recipes that brings everyone together. Imagine tender, flavorful pork that you can enjoy in so many ways. This dish is perfect for busy days since it cooks itself while you go about your routine. The combination of spices and barbecue sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor that will leave your family asking for seconds.
How to Create Delicious Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tbsp paprika (smoked paprika if available)
- 1 tsp each garlic powder
- 1 tsp each onion powder
- 1 tsp each salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if desired)
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Start by patting the pork shoulder dry with some paper towels. If there’s a thick layer of fat, trim it down a bit, but leave about 1/4 inch. Then, place the whole pork shoulder into your cozy crock pot.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this delicious sauce all over the pork in the crock pot. Don’t be tempted to stir it; let the sauce sit on top for now.
Step 3: Cook and Shred
Put the lid on the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Once it’s done, the pork should be super tender and fall apart easily. Carefully transfer it to a large bowl and use two forks to shred the meat. Pour some of the cooking liquid back over the shredded pork to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Serving Your Pulled Pork
Crock Pot Pulled Pork is super versatile! You can pile it high on a bun for a classic sandwich, serve it over rice, or even use it in tacos. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works perfectly for parties, barbecues, or family dinners.
Storing Leftover Pulled Pork
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the pulled pork. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it should keep well for up to 3 months.
Helpful Tips for Making Pulled Pork
- Don’t Rush: Cooking it slowly is key to getting that tender texture.
- Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the barbecue sauce to suit your taste or try different types.
- Add More Flavor: Consider adding onion slices or a few garlic cloves to the crock pot for extra flavor.
Variations to Consider
You can switch up the spices or use different types of barbecue sauce to give it a fresh twist each time. Try adding some chipotle for a spicy kick or a bit of apple cider vinegar for a tangy flavor.
Nutritional Information
While I don’t have specific nutritional numbers for this recipe, pulled pork is generally a good source of protein. If you want to be mindful of calories, consider using less sauce or leaner cuts of meat.
Family-Friendly Serving Suggestions
This pulled pork pairs beautifully with coleslaw, pickles, and cornbread. You can also serve it with a side of baked beans or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
What Goes Well with Pulled Pork?
When planning your meal, consider sides like macaroni and cheese, potato salad, or grilled vegetables. A nice cold beverage, like iced tea or lemonade, complements this dish wonderfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, you can use pork tenderloin, but keep in mind it may not be as juicy and flavorful.
2. Is there a way to cook this recipe quickly?
You can use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time, but the slow cooker method gives the best results in terms of flavor and tenderness.
3. Can I adjust the spice levels?
Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the amount of spices based on your taste preferences.
Enjoy making your very own Crock Pot Pulled Pork! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder also called pork butt
- 1 cup barbecue sauce your favorite brand or homemade
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar packed
Spices
- 1 tbsp paprika smoked paprika if available
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly cracked if desired
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Trim any thick layer of fat, leaving about 1/4 inch.
- Place the pork shoulder in the crock pot.
Sauce Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the pork in the crock pot without stirring.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Once done, transfer the pork to a large bowl and shred using two forks.
- Pour some of the cooking liquid back over the shredded pork to keep it juicy.
